Angel

by Michael Chesney
(Madison, Mississippi USA)

Angel came into my life when Sidney, one of four Minis I had at the time passed unexpectedly during a trip to the vet. Several months prior, I lost my wife of 23 to diabetes. Even though I still had the other three, Motown, Mac and Garbo, there was another hole that appeared far too soon and I really needed to fill it. Angel was just a little tiny creature and I remember telling her she had some mighty big shoes to fill.

Ten years later, all the others have joined Sidney and Lynda in heaven and Angel has now developed Diabetes but it is under control and she is doing well. She became one of the sweetest, most caring Schnauzers I've ever had the pleasure to live with. No, I don't "own" her.

She now has a pal, Abby who is now 2 and the two of them keep me busy and occupied. We all pile up in the "comfy" reclining chair and watch college football... well, I watch it an they sleep on my chest and stomach.

Angel has always been there for me and understands my moods and sometimes I even think she can read my thoughts. I know for a fact that she understands English! And she can count too! If I go for a walk with her and put three treats in my pocket for a snack, she always knows when there is one left!!!

Angel is now 11 years old and I know she in in the twilight of her short life. She is happy though and very comfortable. She recently had eye surgery to restore her sight and remove the diabetic cataracts. The surgery was successful and she sees well now. She has been my best friend for a long time and she deserves the best I can give her.

Why haven't I mentioned Abby? Because this is Angel's write up. Abby's is coming. Angel's name came from the fact that after Lynda and Sidney went on ahead of me, I started seeing little angels everywhere, in magazines, on television, everywhere I looked, almost as if I was being told what to name her. The name stuck.

I love this girl.